Pendant Design with a Sea Monster Ridden by Thetis and a Man with a Sail 1582

Adriaen Collaert etched this pendant design with a sea monster, Thetis, and a man with a sail in the late 16th century. Here, we observe the enduring symbol of the sea monster—a composite creature embodying the untamed forces of nature and the depths of the subconscious. Consider the ancient Greek depictions of Poseidon's steeds, or even the Leviathan of biblical lore. These mythical beasts embody the primordial chaos from which life emerges. Note how Thetis, a Nereid, rides atop this creature, a testament to the power of the feminine to tame even the most formidable aspects of nature. The motif of riding a sea monster surfaces repeatedly. It reflects humanity's ongoing negotiation with the natural world. The image conveys a sense of primal power, a connection to the untamed aspects of both the external world and our inner selves. This symbol echoes through time, reminding us of the continuous interplay between control and chaos.